Many Observer readers are demanding free parking even if it means a rise in council tax, prompting a call for the Conservative administration to begin "listening to their residents."

The long-running debate on how best to help the local economy between Labour and Conservative factions at Harrow Council ended in defeat for campaigners as Tory council leader Councillor Susan Hall scrapped plans tabled by the previous administration to implement 20 minutes free parking across the borough as her cabinet estimated it would cost £1million a year – equivalent to a one per cent rise in council tax.

Last week we asked our readers: "Do you want 20 minutes free parking in Harrow even if it means a rise in council tax?" to which 83 per cent responded 'Yes', and 17 per cent said 'No'.

Councillor David Perry, leader of the Labour Group, said: "This poll confirms that Harrow Council should take the decision to make 20 minute parking free across the borough. The Labour Group has always supported this, and we believe the Conservative administration should start listening to residents and introduce free 20 minute parking.

"Labour wants to introduce free parking to help support local businesses and residents and this poll shows that the residents of Harrow agree with us."

Ms Hall committed to a freeze in council tax when coming into office in September, but is still looking at how to table her own plan to support the local economy through discounted parking, and has met with Conservative colleagues who run Hillingdon Council to discuss their HillingdonFirst card – which offers preferential parking rates with participating businesses – and how that system and how it may work in Harrow.

Ms Hall said: "We do have a problem with parking in Harrow, but how can it be fair to raise council tax by one per cent – because that is what it would cost – on people who cannot afford to drive. We need to look at this as this is a chance to deliver something that is fair to our residents, but if you're going to do something, you need to do it properly."